Day for night
But we belong to the day, and we should be sober. We must wear faith and love as a breastplate, and our hope of salvation as a helmet. God did not choose us to suffer his anger, but to possess salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us in order that we might live together with him, whether we are alive or dead when he comes. (verses 8-10)
Film-makers sometimes use a technique where they shoot night scenes during the day but make it look dark by using filters and restricting the light through the lens of the camera. Even though the actual event takes place in bright conditions, on film it is shadowy and dark. The trick is called ‘day for night’.
Our traditional ideas of day and night are turned upside down and inside out by the Scriptures. In the Bible the dark is used as a picture of sin and selfishness. The idea is that shameful things are done in the dark to avoid detection, but even those who sin boldly in the daylight are living in darkness.
In the same way, as a child of God, I always live in the light, no matter what time of day or night it is. Sin may cast shadows over my life, but through faith I enjoy God’s bright presence of acceptance and forgiveness continually through each day.
Cinematographers may be able to make the day look like night on film, but it is only God, through his gifts of faith, hope and love, who can keep us in perpetual light.
Dear God, continue to shine your light of love into my life, so that, whether it is day or night, I can live in your grace and according to your commands. Amen.
by Richard Hauser, in ‘New Strength for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 1998)
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